Oglethorpe University's women's volleyball team hosts Piedmont at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, in the first match of the Mara Suarez era.

Suarez, a Decatur native and 2025 DeKalb County Coach of the Year, takes over a roster with eight freshmen and five returning players at the Brookhaven campus. The university announced her hiring July 15 after she compiled an 88-41 record in three seasons at Druid Hills High School. She led that program to consecutive state tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2024 and the school's first state tournament berth since 2016.

"I am so excited to start this new chapter here at Oglethorpe University … Growing up in Atlanta I have always seen Oglethorpe and been amazed at how beautiful it is," Suarez said when the school announced her hiring in July.

The Stormy Petrels return two statistical leaders, according to the team's season preview. Junior defensive specialist Abby Wheeler posted 404 digs and 31 aces last season. Junior right-side hitter Aubrey Hill added 102 kills. Junior setter Lauryn Frazier, sophomore outside hitter Toki Ingram and sophomore middle blocker Madison Thompson round out the returning group.

The freshman class includes Adrianne Ryan, Ava Adams, Sofia Swicegood, Mandy Karavite, Callie Simmons, Sarah Johnson, Jane Pennington and Annabelle Turnbull. Eight newcomers on a 13-player roster make this a genuine rebuild for the NCAA Division III program, which competes in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA).

Oglethorpe Director of Athletics Todd Brooks said in July that the search committee wanted "someone with a background of documented success in helping a program competitively take the next step." He cited Suarez's work at Druid Hills, where she turned the program into a state-tournament contender.

Assistant coaches Taylor Burke and Jasmin Walker join Suarez on the sideline. Fifteen Petrels earned SAA Academic Honor Roll recognition last season.

After the home opener, Oglethorpe heads to the Jenny McDowell Invitational at Emory, facing Huntingdon, Saint Mary's and LaGrange the first weekend in September. The Petrels then travel to the Millsaps Invitational to play Principia and Centenary. SAA conference play begins Sept. 18 at Berry, with the SAA Tournament set for Nov. 12–15 at Trinity.